10 Country Albums That Defined 2018

The best country albums of any given year are situational. Sure, we could compile a long list of the most artistic and commercially satisfying albums of 2018 (and we did), but defining the best moments to listen to a few of the year's most interesting projects is much more interesting.

Think of it as country music superlatives, album edition.

Pistol Annies and Carrie Underwood win awards, as do albums by newcomers including Dillon Carmichael and Lanco. The Best Breakthrough album, the Best Country Album for a Non-Country Fan and the Best Burn His Belongings Album of the year are all decided with this definitive list. It was another dynamic year in country music, but you probably have to look for it.

Any album released in 2018 was eligible, and as with all ToC lists, we listened to reader feedback and staff opinion in putting together this list. 2019 is already promising to be a great year for country music, with pure country efforts from Randy Houser and Cody Johnson on tap for January and then Florida Georgia Line in February. Let us know which albums you really enjoyed this year in the comments section below. You can also vote for your favorite through Dec. 16 during the annual Taste of Country Fan Choice Awards.